Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou, assistant professor, Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health San Antonio, specializes in general neurosurgery and surgery for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Amy Sakalad, director of research operations for the Glenn Biggs Institute and Hector Trevino, clinical research project manager, Biggs Institute and coordinator of the deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer’s research study talked with Caregiver Sos on Air cohost attorney and veteran broadcaster Ron Aaron about the latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss. (Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.)

Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou, assistant professor, Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health San Antonio, specializes in general neurosurgery and surgery for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and movement disorders, including Parkinson&rsquo;s disease. Amy Sakalad, director of research operations for the Glenn Biggs Institute and Hector Trevino, clinical research project manager, Biggs Institute and coordinator of the deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer&rsquo;s research study talked with Caregiver Sos on Air cohost attorney and veteran broadcaster Ron Aaron about the latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss. (Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.)

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss with Dr. Papanastassiou

Ageism is everywhere—built into our greeting cards, embedded in media advertisements, and quietly influencing how we talk to ourselves and our loved ones. But how do the words we choose actually impact our quality of life and the way we care for others?

In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Tina Smith, Director of Caregiving Programs at the WellMed Charitable Foundation. Together, they dive deep into the concept of ageism, exploring both its overt and covert forms, and how it actively limits the expectations we place on older adults and family caregivers.

From navigating "therapeutic nihilism" in healthcare to shifting away from outdated terms like "senior citizen," this conversation highlights the national movement to reframe aging. Tune in to discover how changing your internal voice and being mindful of daily language can completely transform the aging process, foster deeper connections across generations, and help us all live longer, healthier lives without self-imposed limits.

Key Takeaways


The Power of Reframing Language: The words we use matter. Shifting from loaded phrases like "senior citizen" to more neutral terms like "older adult" can drastically reduce negative connotations and combat implicit bias. Even common phrases like "she looks great for her age" subconsciously reinforce ageist stereotypes.


Ageism Cuts Both Ways in Caregiving: Ageism heavily impacts family caregivers. It can skew a caregiver’s perception of their care recipient's actual capabilities, leading them to unnecessarily limit an older adult's independence.


Confronting Ageism in Healthcare: Older adults frequently face "therapeutic nihilism"—a form of medical stereotyping where providers dismiss treatable ailments with a simple, "You're just getting older, what do you expect?" The episode emphasizes the vital importance of self-advocacy and speaking up in medical settings.


Changing the Internal Voice: Society's obsession with anti-aging often causes individuals to internalize negative stereotypes long before they reach old age. The first step to healthier aging is self-reflection and silencing the internal voice that says, "I'm too old to do this."


Bridging the Generational Divide: Ageism isn't exclusive to older generations; younger adults also struggle to feel heard in today's economy. Initiatives like San Antonio's "Generations Over Dinner" demonstrate how sitting down and listening across at least three generations can break down mutual stereotypes and lift everyone up.

About Tina

Tina Smith, Director of Caregiver Programs at the WellMed Charitable Foundation, is a dedicated leader in social gerontology and senior support. Based in the San Antonio area, she oversees operations for the foundation's Caregiver SOS programs, which provide education, resources, and support to family caregivers.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Ageism is everywhere&mdash;built into our greeting cards, embedded in media advertisements, and quietly influencing how we talk to ourselves and our loved ones. But how do the words we choose actually impact our quality of life and the way we care for others?
In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Tina Smith, Director of Caregiving Programs at the WellMed Charitable Foundation. Together, they dive deep into the concept of ageism, exploring both its overt and covert forms, and how it actively limits the expectations we place on older adults and family caregivers.
From navigating "therapeutic nihilism" in healthcare to shifting away from outdated terms like "senior citizen," this conversation highlights the national movement to reframe aging. Tune in to discover how changing your internal voice and being mindful of daily language can completely transform the aging process, foster deeper connections across generations, and help us all live longer, healthier lives without self-imposed limits.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
The Power of Reframing Language: The words we use matter. Shifting from loaded phrases like "senior citizen" to more neutral terms like "older adult" can drastically reduce negative connotations and combat implicit bias. Even common phrases like "she looks great for her age" subconsciously reinforce ageist stereotypes.
</li>
<li>
Ageism Cuts Both Ways in Caregiving: Ageism heavily impacts family caregivers. It can skew a caregiver&rsquo;s perception of their care recipient's actual capabilities, leading them to unnecessarily limit an older adult's independence.
</li>
<li>
Confronting Ageism in Healthcare: Older adults frequently face "therapeutic nihilism"&mdash;a form of medical stereotyping where providers dismiss treatable ailments with a simple, "You're just getting older, what do you expect?" The episode emphasizes the vital importance of self-advocacy and speaking up in medical settings.
</li>
<li>
Changing the Internal Voice: Society's obsession with anti-aging often causes individuals to internalize negative stereotypes long before they reach old age. The first step to healthier aging is self-reflection and silencing the internal voice that says, "I'm too old to do this."
</li>
<li>
Bridging the Generational Divide: Ageism isn't exclusive to older generations; younger adults also struggle to feel heard in today's economy. Initiatives like San Antonio's "Generations Over Dinner" demonstrate how sitting down and listening across at least three generations can break down mutual stereotypes and lift everyone up.
</li>
</ul>
About Tina
Tina Smith, Director of Caregiver Programs at the WellMed Charitable Foundation, is a dedicated leader in social gerontology and senior support. Based in the San Antonio area, she oversees operations for the foundation's Caregiver SOS programs, which provide education, resources, and support to family caregivers.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Changing the Narrative: How Words Shape the Way We Age | Tina Smith

In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Dr. Grace Macalino, a public health researcher and the founder and CEO of CAPWA AllCare. Drawing from her personal experience navigating the complex journey of caring for her aging parents, Dr. Macalino discusses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of caregiving: the massive shift in personal identity.

When we become caregivers, we easily get swallowed up by "the doing"—the endless list of daily tasks, doctor appointments, and logistics. But what happens to who we are? Dr. Macalino introduces her Evidence-Informed Caregiver Identity Framework, offering listeners a much-needed language to understand the emotional evolution, isolation, and unspoken guilt that comes with stepping into a caregiving role. Whether you are balancing a career, managing long-distance care, or learning how to transition a loved one into memory care, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap to finding agency, setting boundaries, and reclaiming moments of joy.

Key Takeaways


The Distinction Between 'The Doing' and 'The Being': Caregiver burnout and isolation often don't stem from the physical tasks themselves, but from the unaddressed emotional toll of an eroding personal identity.


The 'Deafening Silence' of Caregiving: Unlike becoming a parent, society rarely acknowledges or celebrates the massive identity shift of becoming a caregiver, leaving many to feel entirely alone.


Reclaiming Your Original Role: When the scale tips and you forget you are a daughter, son, or spouse because you are only acting as a caregiver, it is a sign of trouble. Transitioning a loved one to professional care (like memory care) can painfully but beautifully allow family members to step back into their original roles as husbands, wives, or children.


The Power of Bahala Na: Embracing a cultural mindset of letting go of control—acknowledging that you have done your absolute best and accepting that "it is what it is"—is essential for releasing caregiving guilt and shame.


Moving from Survival to Agency: By understanding the stages of the caregiver identity, individuals can move past mere survival and gain the agency to keep themselves in control of their own journey.

About Dr. Schauf

Dr. Grace Macalino Schauf, PhD, MPH, is the Founder and CEO of Kapwa AllCare. Drawing on her background in public health and her personal caregiving experiences, she developed the Caregiver Identity Framework, an evidence-informed approach that helps caregivers better understand their journey, reclaim agency, and build sustainable support systems for themselves and their loved ones.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Dr. Grace Macalino, a public health researcher and the founder and CEO of CAPWA AllCare. Drawing from her personal experience navigating the complex journey of caring for her aging parents, Dr. Macalino discusses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of caregiving: the massive shift in personal identity.
When we become caregivers, we easily get swallowed up by "the doing"&mdash;the endless list of daily tasks, doctor appointments, and logistics. But what happens to who we are? Dr. Macalino introduces her Evidence-Informed Caregiver Identity Framework, offering listeners a much-needed language to understand the emotional evolution, isolation, and unspoken guilt that comes with stepping into a caregiving role. Whether you are balancing a career, managing long-distance care, or learning how to transition a loved one into memory care, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap to finding agency, setting boundaries, and reclaiming moments of joy.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The Distinction Between 'The Doing' and 'The Being': Caregiver burnout and isolation often don't stem from the physical tasks themselves, but from the unaddressed emotional toll of an eroding personal identity.
</li>
<li>
The 'Deafening Silence' of Caregiving: Unlike becoming a parent, society rarely acknowledges or celebrates the massive identity shift of becoming a caregiver, leaving many to feel entirely alone.
</li>
<li>
Reclaiming Your Original Role: When the scale tips and you forget you are a daughter, son, or spouse because you are only acting as a caregiver, it is a sign of trouble. Transitioning a loved one to professional care (like memory care) can painfully but beautifully allow family members to step back into their original roles as husbands, wives, or children.
</li>
<li>
The Power of Bahala Na: Embracing a cultural mindset of letting go of control&mdash;acknowledging that you have done your absolute best and accepting that "it is what it is"&mdash;is essential for releasing caregiving guilt and shame.
</li>
<li>
Moving from Survival to Agency: By understanding the stages of the caregiver identity, individuals can move past mere survival and gain the agency to keep themselves in control of their own journey.
</li>
</ul>
About Dr. Schauf
Dr. Grace Macalino Schauf, PhD, MPH, is the Founder and CEO of Kapwa AllCare. Drawing on her background in public health and her personal caregiving experiences, she developed the Caregiver Identity Framework, an evidence-informed approach that helps caregivers better understand their journey, reclaim agency, and build sustainable support systems for themselves and their loved ones.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

The Caregiver Identity | Dr. Grace Macalino Schauf

In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver SOS On Air podcast, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with board-certified geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Weiss to tackle one of the most challenging chapters in caregiving: identifying and managing early-onset dementia. 

Dr. Weiss shares his unique perspective—shaped by both 44 years of psychiatric practice and his own deeply personal family history with Alzheimer’s disease. Together, the panel explores how early-onset conditions alter family dynamics, why behavior shifts are often misdiagnosed, and how modern medicine is finally shifting from a state of demoralization to a new era of hope. Plus, stick around until the end of the episode as Dr. Weiss introduces a brief but powerful look into another growing health crisis for older adults: the physical toll of loneliness. 

Key Topics Covered


Understanding Early-Onset & Rare Dementias: Dr. Weiss breaks down why early-onset dementia (occurring in a person's 40s or 50s) is uniquely difficult for families. He highlights frontotemporal dementia, explaining how it presents not with memory loss, but with dramatic, sudden behavioral changes. 


The Evolution of Diagnosis: Discover how the medical field has evolved from invasive brain biopsies and spinal taps to modern, highly specific blood-based biomarkers that can identify Alzheimer’s disease early. 


"When the Disease Talks": Carol and Dr. Weiss discuss the vital mindset shift caregivers must make: recognizing that aggressive or uncharacteristic behaviors are a physical symptom of a neurodegenerative illness, not intentional actions. 


The Medical Toll of Loneliness: In a striking closing segment, the discussion turns to the isolation epidemic, highlighting research that equates the physical impact of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

Key Takeaways for Caregivers


Take Your Own Pulse First: Borrowing a medical aphorism, Dr. Weiss reminds caregivers that the first rule of managing an emotional or tense situation with a loved one is to keep calm and manage your own emotions first. 


Pivot to Positive Prompts: When met with resistance (such as a loved one refusing a bath or medication), avoid sharp words. Instead, lead with a compliment, use gentle physical prompts, or lean into music and aromatherapy. 


Accept the Present Reality: One of the hardest parts of caregiving is letting go of past expectations and accepting your loved one exactly as they are right now, rather than fighting the reality of the disease. 


Lean on Community Support: Don't be a "Lone Ranger." Lean on organizations like the Alzheimer's Association to find support groups where you can brainstorm solutions with peers who truly understand the journey.

About Dr. Weiss

Dr Thomas Weiss is a geriatric psychiatrist in solo private practice. He is a graduate of the USAF Academy, UTHSCSA Medical School and completed a fellowship in consultation psychiatry at MGH/Harvard. He is board-certified in four specialties: adult, geriatric, addiction, and consultation psychiatry.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of the award-winning Caregiver SOS On Air podcast, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with board-certified geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Weiss to tackle one of the most challenging chapters in caregiving: identifying and managing early-onset dementia. 
Dr. Weiss shares his unique perspective&mdash;shaped by both 44 years of psychiatric practice and his own deeply personal family history with Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease. Together, the panel explores how early-onset conditions alter family dynamics, why behavior shifts are often misdiagnosed, and how modern medicine is finally shifting from a state of demoralization to a new era of hope. Plus, stick around until the end of the episode as Dr. Weiss introduces a brief but powerful look into another growing health crisis for older adults: the physical toll of loneliness. 
Key Topics Covered
<ul data-path-to-node="10">
<li>
Understanding Early-Onset &amp; Rare Dementias: Dr. Weiss breaks down why early-onset dementia (occurring in a person's 40s or 50s) is uniquely difficult for families. He highlights frontotemporal dementia, explaining how it presents not with memory loss, but with dramatic, sudden behavioral changes. 
</li>
<li>
The Evolution of Diagnosis: Discover how the medical field has evolved from invasive brain biopsies and spinal taps to modern, highly specific blood-based biomarkers that can identify Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease early. 
</li>
<li>
"When the Disease Talks": Carol and Dr. Weiss discuss the vital mindset shift caregivers must make: recognizing that aggressive or uncharacteristic behaviors are a physical symptom of a neurodegenerative illness, not intentional actions. 
</li>
<li>
The Medical Toll of Loneliness: In a striking closing segment, the discussion turns to the isolation epidemic, highlighting research that equates the physical impact of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers
<ul data-path-to-node="13">
<li>
Take Your Own Pulse First: Borrowing a medical aphorism, Dr. Weiss reminds caregivers that the first rule of managing an emotional or tense situation with a loved one is to keep calm and manage your own emotions first. 
</li>
<li>
Pivot to Positive Prompts: When met with resistance (such as a loved one refusing a bath or medication), avoid sharp words. Instead, lead with a compliment, use gentle physical prompts, or lean into music and aromatherapy. 
</li>
<li>
Accept the Present Reality: One of the hardest parts of caregiving is letting go of past expectations and accepting your loved one exactly as they are right now, rather than fighting the reality of the disease. 
</li>
<li>
Lean on Community Support: Don't be a "Lone Ranger." Lean on organizations like the Alzheimer's Association to find support groups where you can brainstorm solutions with peers who truly understand the journey.
</li>
</ul>
About Dr. Weiss
Dr Thomas Weiss is a geriatric psychiatrist in solo private practice. He is a graduate of the USAF Academy, UTHSCSA Medical School and completed a fellowship in consultation psychiatry at MGH/Harvard.&nbsp;He is board-certified in four specialties: adult, geriatric, addiction, and consultation psychiatry.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss with Dr. Papanastassiou

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